Quality AI pays
By Malcolm Turley, Gene Transfer Manager, PIC USA - Since PIC entered the "Gene Transfer" business in 1994, the use of AI in the US swine industry has grown from less than 10% to more than 82% of the matings performed using AI.
8 January 2007
3 minute read
 Birchwood Gene Transfer Centre,Kentucky, PIC USA |
US Gene Transfer Market
American producers have embraced the value AI has to offer their system (health, genetics and flexibility). Today, PIC USA has captured 58% market share that includes 6,700 boars in 20 PIC exclusive GTCs, selling more than 8 million doses and servicing 1.2 million sows per year.
Semen Quality Certification
To help ensure the success of its customers, the PIC Gene Transfer Network uses the latest semenanalysis technologies that aid in assessing the quality of every collection that is produced through the Network. To maintain and certify a level of quality that exceeds industry standards, the Network has implemented a comprehensive certification program where semen doses are submitted and monitored monthly by third party reproductive consultants.
Health and Biosecurity
PIC Gene Transfer Network partners are monitored under the same Health Assurance program as our top-level genetic nucleus herds. Multiple times per week, semen and blood from each stud location is PCR tested for PRRSv. In the event of a stud closure, the network of studs ensures uninterrupted semen supply.
 Birchwood houses the extremely sophisticated semen analysis program - SpermvisionTM |
Genetic Improvement
The average annual replacement rate across the PIC Gene Transfer Network is greater than 65%. All boars in stud are managed using the PIC Global Genetic Improvement database. Individual boar CBVs (Cross-bred Breeding Value) are recalculated daily and utilize commercial performance information to deliver maximum genetic improvement.
New GTC Centre
Through proven commercial performance of PIC sired animals, the demand for PIC genetics via Gene Transfer has led to the development of new facilities and the acquisition of a new Gene Transfer Centre, Birchwood Stud. Within the PIC Gene Transfer Network, there are now over 5,000 sires in authorised PIC Gene Transfer™ Centres across the USA.
Birchwood Gene Transfer Centre serves the Eastern Cornbelt. In addition to supplying high quality PIC genetics through boar semen, Birchwood houses an extremely sophisticated semen analysis program (Spermvision™), supported by a strong technical service team. This all leads to delivering a consistent, high quality product, promoting excellent reproductive efficiency, progeny performance and overall added-value product.
December 2006
